Education System in Bhutan
| Education | School/Level | Grade From | Grade To | Age From | Age To | Years | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Primary School | 1 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 6 | All Bhutan Primary Certificate Examination | |
| Middle | Lower Secondary School | 7 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 3 | Bhutan Certificate of Secondary Education | |
| Secondary | Upper Secondary School | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 3 | Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate | |
| Tertiary | Diploma | 2 | ||||||
| Tertiary | Bachelors degree | 3 | ||||||
| Tertiary | Bachelors (Honours) degree program | 4 | ||||||
| Tertiary | Post-Graduate Diploma | 2 | 1.5 - 2 years following a Bachelors degree | |||||
| Tertiary | Master of Education | 4 | 4 years of part-time study |
Primary Education
Education in Bhutan in the mountainous region between China and India is a voluntary affair, because many of the people live in far-flung places where they follow traditional lives. In larger settlements where primary schools exist, children are taught for seven years, mainly in English.
Secondary Education
Even fewer children complete a further four years of secondary education, which follows a general academic curriculum without opportunities for specialization. More wealthy parents have the choice of sending children to private schools instead, often in foreign countries.
Tertiary Education
There is a single higher-level junior college, and two teacher training colleges. The sole tertiary institution is the University of Bhutan, founded by royal decree in 2003 and illustrated here.
Its faculties offer diplomas and degree courses in science & technology, business studies, traditional medicine, language & culture, education, health sciences, natural resources, and management. Students whose needs are not catered for will study elsewhere abroad.